The Most Underrated State Parks In Oregon, According To Campers

It's no secret that Oregon is home to some of the best natural wonders in the United States. It makes sense, then, that its state parks are attracting more adventurers than ever. After receiving a record-breaking 53.65 million visitors in 2021, the Beaver State welcomed 56.6 million visitors to its state parks in 2024, setting a new record. This rise in interest is, in some ways, a good thing, although some ecological experts worry about the long-term impact these footprints could have on the environment. Parkgoers may also find that their favorite spots aren't quite as secluded as they once were, leading them to search for alternatives.

The good news is that there are still tons of state parks in Oregon that don't attract anywhere near a million visitors per year. Using our expertise as travel specialists, we have identified 10 destinations where you can still enjoy the beauty of the state parks far away from the crowds. But don't just take our word for it. Thanks to reviews from campers on sites like Reddit and Tripadvisor, we have been able to determine that these are actually great places to spend the night. Although Oregon's state parks are growing increasingly popular, the state still has a hidden gem or two that are well worth exploring.

If you really want to get away from the crowds, Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor might be the best Oregon state park for you. Located in the state's northeastern region, this charming park boasts misty mornings and towering pine trees. During the springtime, you'll see wildflowers blossoming along the side of the road. In the evenings, wood is available for anyone who wants to wind down to the sound of a crackling fire. All in all, this picturesque corridor and its adjoining campground are perfect for those who enjoy entrancingly scenic drives. As one former camper wrote on Google after their trip, "If twisty roads with little traffic are your thing, this route is well worth a visit. Trees, a rocky canyon, a racing river ... Glad I went!"

Of course, being alone in nature is one of the biggest benefits of a trip to Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. This park was the state's least-visited in 2023 and became the fourth-least-visited park in 2024. Writing on Google, one satisfied visitor revealed that the campground was almost empty during their stay. Apparently, this allowed them to have the facilities almost entirely to themselves. As they explained in their review of the state park, "Great basic campground with water and better than expected bathrooms (lights, flush toilets). Super clean." 

The U.S. is full of spectacular places to camp beneath the stars, but one Oregon state park offers a truly special experience. Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park that offers stargazing at its finest. Thanks to its location between Mount Hood National Forest and Umatilla National Forest, this natural zone receives very little light pollution, allowing visitors to gaze at the skies in all their celestial glory. As one camper commented on Google reviews, "... how serene and sensational the views are there ... you truly get the chance to get in touch with the desert nature. The stars at night were magical and our group saw no less than 7 shooting stars per night."

The best part is that campers rarely need to worry about sharing the state park with hordes of other guests. Cottonwood Canyon received just over 36,000 visitors in 2024 — representing a 12% decline from 2023. This means that the park is largely protected from the light pollution caused by visitors. Plus, it allows folks to plan their Cottonwood Canyon camping trips, knowing that they will likely find their share of peace and quiet. In the words of another camper on Google reviews, "Such a lovely secluded campground. We love going here every year. Perfect to chill, relax and recharge away from the civilization. Looking at the [stars] is the must."

To feel like you've been transported into an idyllic painting, head to Catherine Creek State Park. With its pebble-filled waterways, vibrant green banks, and quiet hiking trail, Catherine Creek is hands-down the best Oregon state park for subtle scenery. As if its geological and floral wonders are not stunning enough, this state park also provides a home to some remarkable wildlife. Animal lovers should pack their binoculars for this trip, as there is a whole lot of fauna to be admired. As one camper wrote on Tripadvisor, "Nice to hear the creek running in the background. [Interesting] short hikes nearby – we saw salmon running upstream, a flock of turkeys, and a cool snake."

The peaceful atmosphere at Catherine Creek State Park is the real attraction, though. With nearly 42,000 visitors in 2024, it remains one of the least-visited parks in Oregon. Campers say that this gives them a sense of quiet tranquility. Writing on Tripadvisor, one visitor noted, "[Relatively few] spots spaced out along the creek in the shade of pine trees, but very nice and cool. Grassy spots, each with a firepit and table, flush toilets ... and lots of quiet. Sites are pretty open, but spaced far enough apart that we didn't feel crowded." Please keep in mind, though, that the 20 spots in the campground are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Two large group picnic tables are, however, available for reservation.

What separates a bucket list camping destination from any old campground? Oftentimes, the view makes the difference. While waking up in the great outdoors is certainly a privilege, it becomes even more palpable when you're sipping your morning coffee and taking in a spectacular sight. Campers who have been to Oregon's Unity Lake State Recreation Site have experienced this firsthand. According to a Google review left by one former visitor, "Great campground right on Highway 26 in Oregon. The staff is friendly. Sites are spaced out (which I love for privacy) and level pavement pads. The lake view is stunning."

Although Unity Lake is certainly beautiful, it does not just exist to be admired. The state hopes that visitors will interact with the natural wonder; water activities are also encouraged. Grab some fishing gear, cast a line, and try to reel in the big catch of your dreams. Alternatively, make use of the lake's boat launch to spend the day on the waves. You might be thrilled to find that the park is not particularly crowded. As one of the least-visited parks in Oregon, Unity Lake State Recreation Site provides quite a bit of peace and quiet. As one camper put it on Google reviews, "Not very many people at the campground and it was quiet. Pretty area and the facilities were clean. Had a nice campsite over looking the lake."

Prineville Reservoir State Park is gorgeous all year round, but that doesn't mean guests always remember to visit during the off-season. Nestled along the pristine shores of the gorgeous Prineville Reservoir, this park is known for offering access to water sports like fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. But just because these activities are not as widely available during the chilly fall and winter months does not mean that Prineville Reservoir State Park is not still worth visiting. In fact, this destination boasts snow-dusted pine trees, cozy year-round camping cabins, and an International Dark Sky status that allows visitors to appreciate the moon and the stars regardless of the season.

Folks who stop by the campground in the fall find it particularly quiet and peaceful. "We were there in September during a drought and the water level was extremely low. Even so this is a beautiful park with great views! Campground was clean, tidy and it was very quiet," wrote one happy camper on Tripadvisor. This time of year is also ideal for folks who want to have their pick of camping sites. As a second autumn visitor shared on Google reviews, "We really like this campground. It is all about access to fun. They have full hook ups for RV and lots of tent sites. We arrived mid September there were lots of sites available." Visiting in the off-season allows campers to enjoy the park facilities to the max.

Walking across the United States is one of the many must-do trips for avid hikers. Similarly, biking this route is a bucket list item for many experienced cyclists. However, plenty of the people who take on these goals struggle to find a nice campground to spend the night. Enter Bates State Park. This fantastic Oregon state park offers excellent camping facilities to all kinds of visitors. However, it should be noted that its hiker-biker camp was designed with long-distance travelers in mind. As one camper noted on Google reviews, "Bates is one of the 'sweet' State Park ... It is out of the way and quiet. It is also a major summer camping area for cyclists on Hwy 26 who are heading coast to coast."

Another benefit of visiting Bates State Park is the tranquility. With just 45 Google reviews and six ratings on Tripadvisor, this natural area is not exactly brimming with popularity. However, what Bates lacks in fame, it makes up for in peace and quiet. A second Google reviewer even stated that the emptiness of the park is one of the factors that keeps bringing them back. "We were the only ones, loved the walks to the pond. Extremely clean RV camp ground. We will be back in the spring," they wrote. Overall, this is the perfect place to go if you need to flee from the chaos of big cities like Portland and Seattle and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. 

The most-visited state parks in Oregon receive well over 1 million visitors yearly. Conversely, with just 169,000 annual day visitors, LaPine State Park is a little bit more overlooked. That being said, this tranquil park is a hiker's paradise with 14 miles of winding trails that will take you along the Deschutes River to Fall River Falls. The scenery here is fantastic. As one family of glampers noted on Google reviews, "The entire camping ground had a biking and hiking trail all round it, with epic views as you go. Pack up and go get some rest and fun in!" Indeed, LaPine State Park may be home to one of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon.

The best part is that during the quieter winter months, the hiking trails are maintained for cross-country skiers. While it may not be ideal to pitch a tent in, say, January, the park's glamping cabins are available year-round. Previous glampers say that these cabins are cozy and warm, with one Google reviewer sharing, "My dog Leela and I had the best trip here in chilly weather. Our cabin and fire pit kept us toasty. Lots of river walks to be had here." Spend your day trekking through the snow, then head back to your cabin for a relaxing evening by the fire. There may be no better way to brave the cold.

Red Bridge State Wayside Recreational Area is far from being the most popular state park in Oregon. On the contrary, with just 65 Google reviews and no ratings on Tripadvisor, it's the type of place that locals like to keep under wraps. That being said, Red Bridge State Wayside Recreational Area offers such a pleasant environment that the campers who discover it cannot seem to help but return. As one such visitor wrote on Google reviews, "Apparently this is one of Eastern Oregon's best kept secrets. We camped there over Labor Day weekend and we are camping there again this weekend. There are 10 RV camp sites and several tent sites, there were at least two campsites open the entire weekend."

One of the biggest draws of Ridge Bridge is its location on the bank of the Grande Ronde River, which snakes through the stunning Blue Mountains. This not only allows visitors to appreciate some spectacular scenery but also gives them the chance to dip their toes into a cool, fresh water source. Describing this experience on Google, another visitor gushed, "Loved it... Beautiful peaceful park for camping, picnic or just a walk. Super tall [trees], very majestic. Nice shallow river running through it, perfect for kids and [dogs] to play in." Overall, this is one of the best state parks in Oregon for a tranquil weekend of relaxing on the riverside. 

Goose Lake State Recreation Area is one of the least-visited state parks in Oregon. However, true Oregon natives don't see why. With spectacular bird-watching, seasonal lake views, and a scenic nature trail that winds around the park, Goose Lake State Recreation Area is the perfect place to absorb nature in peace. Spend your afternoon wandering the grounds and snapping pictures of waterfowl. Then, in the evening, purchase a bundle of wood and build a crackling campfire. When you wake up the following morning, you might even spot some mule deer as they graze in the park's old orchard.

Because of this charming environment, locals who camp at Goose Lake absolutely love it. One Oregonian even marveled at the park on Tripadvisor, writing that it is so tranquil that they wished they could have extended their trip. Of course, the serenity of the area is a big part of the draw. Writing on Google reviews, another camper exclaimed, "This park is so well cared for and peaceful! We just wrapped up a very restful week listening to endless birdsong, spotting owlets, hiking the perimeter loop and just generally moving slowly. Most people only stay a night on their way through to somewhere else but so far the park has never been full." To enjoy this park to the fullest, be sure to visit after the cottonwood trees are done shedding.

Oregon is full of hidden gems, but it's not always easy to find them. As tourism ramps up and local state parks become increasingly crowded, it can oftentimes seem like there are no more secret spots left in the Beaver State. Luckily, we studied the 2024 list of the least-visited parks in Oregon using the information published by America's State Parks. With these numbers in mind, we were able to identify some of the region's quietest campgrounds. We omitted parks that do not offer camping from our recommendations.

It is also important to note, though, that not all of the parks mentioned above made the least-visited parks list. Nonetheless, we selected Prineville Reservoir State Park due to its underrated off-season camping availability, while Red Bridge State Wayside Recreational Area won us over with its relatively sparse visitor reviews, indicating its low-trodden paths. LaPine State Park also offers winter activities and receives fewer visitors compared to Oregon's most popular parks. Ultimately, we highlighted camping destinations that lack fame but still entice visitors with their quiet scenery and peaceful atmospheres.